Paul P

new paintings and works on paper

April 13-May 11, 2002

Paul Petro Contemporary Art is pleased to present an exhibition of new paintings and watercolours by Paul P.

Paul P had his first exposure at PPCA last summer in a two-person show with Toronto-based artist Stephen Andrews. That introductory exhibition concentrated on watercolours and acrylic paintings produced in 1999-2001. For his current show, Paul has produced a series of small works in oil on canvas and on wood panel in addition to new watercolours. The work continues to engage the tradition of portraiture in the artist's exploration of youthful masculinity.

Paul says of his subject matter: "They are chosen for their ability to communicate, within their expressions and physiognomies, ideas of boyishness, lust, intrigue and compulsion. The faces are painted in a hyper-pink palette as if caught in a blush of desire, self-awareness or confusion.

Paul P. graduated from York University's fine arts programme in April 2000 and counts Nell Tenhaaf as one of his instructors during that time. Since then his work has appeared in numerous group exhibitions in Toronto including West Wing (2000-2001), a Queen Street West exhibition space that he co-founded. The current issue of Xtra (issue no. 455, april 4, 2002, page 25) includes a profile on the artist by Toronto-based writer and curator Sophie Hackett.